FDA Authorized Mint Flavored Oral Tobacco Products
This week, the Food and Drug Administration issued a new authorization for mint-flavored oral tobacco products. In issuing the market authorization, the FDA noted that it reviewed available data and believe that, “youth, nonsmokers, and former smokers are unlikely to initiate or re-initiate tobacco use with these products.” The agency’s announcement is the second time the agency has authorized a new tobacco product under its new premarket tobacco product application authority.

In response to the FDA authorization, ATS Tobacco Action Committee Chair Michelle Eakin, PhD noted, “It is disappointing to see the FDA approve a flavored tobacco product. We know that flavorings are the number one reason for youth to use a tobacco product and flavorings have been associated with continued use leading to higher rates of dependence. It is hard to see a public health benefit for any flavored tobacco products. The ATS will continue to advocate for all flavored tobacco products including mint/menthol be removed from the market.”